A North West mining tycoon and his bodyguards allegedly assaulted a miner and allegedly cleaned out his bank account of R55 000 at his offices on Thursday last week.
The man was allegedly pepper-sprayed on his face repeatedly which caused him to pass bloody urine.
He is currently receiving treatment in hospital with six other men who were also assaulted.
North West police spokesperson Brigadier Sabata Mokgwabone said no arrest has been made since the case was opened six days ago.
Mokgwabone said the matter is being investigated.
Sunday World understands that the miner’s friends have appealed to Police Minister Bheki Cele’s office to intervene because they are convinced the case will disappear.
They allege that the businessman was accompanied by police officers when the assault took place.
A source close to the businessman, who asked not to be named for fear of victimisation, said the tycoon and his bodyguards allegedly attacked the miner and his friends during an alleged confrontation over a mining spot.
“[The man] and his personal bodyguards and his 10 spacemen [personal employees] assaulted seven men on Thursday, 14 September in Mooinooi in Samancor area in the presence of Mooinooi police officers,” the source said.
“One man who was assaulted is today urinating blood because he was badly assaulted and pepper spray was used on his face.”
After the alleged assault, the group allegedly took the man to the businessman’s offices.
His employees allegedly pointed a gun at the miner and forced him to open his bank app. They allegedly transferred R55 000 into their personal account.
“The other six were also assaulted with big sticks and beaten with guns on their heads. Three of them were admitted to the hospital,” the source added.
A case of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, kidnapping, armed robbery and pointing of firearm was opened on Friday.
Attempts to reach the businessman were unsuccessful. A text message was also sent to him, which was not returned at the time of publishing.
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